The last 2 years abroad have been a big challenge for us, and yet we have learnt so very much and become so much closer to our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Many of the pictures and stories that have been posted on this blogsite have included happy smiley faces, beautiful scenery and countries, and indeed some people would wish they could follow in our footsteps and experience such amazing countries abroad. 
http://www.lookingforgod.com/
This is a sceptical world, where many people say that such beautiful scenery - such as the palm trees and sunset photographed above in Belize - is all just an accident created by a big bang out of nothingness. But you are not an accident you are special and unique, there has never been another person the same as you and there never will be. Have a look at the internet site http://www.lookingforgod.com/ for more information about how you can have peace beyond all understanding and assurance concerning your eternal destiny and life in heaven beyond this world.
For God so loved YOU that he sent his one and only son Jesus, so if YOU believe in him, then YOU will not perish but have everlasting life. (John chapter 3, verse 16 - from the Bible )
It is true we have seen many amazing places, and we have touched many lives with the good news of the gospel message. However, the fact that all our photos have in the whole shown us having fun with smiley faces may lead people to believe we have been having a fun world backpacking tour.However, when we were abroad the last 2 years the sacrifice and cost for us to go there was significant, we never made any money (though by the grace of God our expenses were always covered by basic living allowances, support from family and friends, including one large gift from a Canadian couple which was a mighty blessing in a particular time of very low finance.) Parents and Rhoda's auntie supported us regularly as and when they could. A great thankyou goes out to all these people. We are so grateful to God for christian family and friends, as without them many of our mission experiences would not have been possible. In times of prayer and worship we often can know and sense the love of God directly. At other times God often uses us, the body of christ as his instrument of hands and feet and love.
There were times of hand washing clothes in cold water, cooking on a gas stove on a chair, times of having simple accomodation flooded by a leaky roof, these have challenged us indeed, and there are hundreds of other challenging examples besides. We give thanks to God in hard times as well as the good, as he moulds and shapes our characters through it all. Just like the apostle Paul who stated in the bible ""I have learned to be content in times with much...and to be content in times of little" so we have to remember that even when we go through hard valleys, yet as Christians with Jesus in our hearts and the hope of eternity in heaven, we are always richer than the richest physical millionaire who has not yet trusted in Jesus Christ. For people originally from European culture, we went through times when people would have considered us poor. Extended times without a vehicle, with little money and few physical possesions. BUT we have to look at things in perspective, Daniel once heard a definition of poverty as being "lack of either food, shelter, or clothing - or a combination of them all". Daniel likes to remember this definition and to think upon it, because if we use this definition of poverty then we have never been poor, not for even one day of our lives. God has always faithfully provided for ALL of our essential needs. The problem for christians from rich cultures like the western world is that we can think that a nice house, car etc are all "needs" but God knows the difference between a "need" and a "want". In times when we have been mightily physically blessed we give God the Glory. And in times when we have had little, we also give God the Glory. We wouldnt even exist if he hadnt created us, we owe our very lives and all that we have to him, we give him thanks and praise. We have to trust at all times that God knows best, and remember in the book of Romans it says "all things work to good for those that love christ jesus." God never wastes any experiences we go through in our lives, they are all important for forming us more into the image of Jesus.
In reflection, we know in total peace that our steps were ordered by the Lord, we have no doubts about that. We have learnt so much culturally, physically and spritually.
In those countries where we ministered in the third world there were many fantastic opportunities that we were able to take, that would not have been possible in the "first world" developed nations such as our home country of England. For example, Daniel is not teacher trained qualified and would not be able to teach here, yet in Ecuador a foreign country with a foreign language, he was able to succesfully teach for over 6 months in a high sch
ool with 13 to 17 year old's despite not having any previous experience.
In reflection, we know in total peace that our steps were ordered by the Lord, we have no doubts about that. We have learnt so much culturally, physically and spritually.
In those countries where we ministered in the third world there were many fantastic opportunities that we were able to take, that would not have been possible in the "first world" developed nations such as our home country of England. For example, Daniel is not teacher trained qualified and would not be able to teach here, yet in Ecuador a foreign country with a foreign language, he was able to succesfully teach for over 6 months in a high sch
ool with 13 to 17 year old's despite not having any previous experience. 
The places we have gone to have really given us opportunities to prove in actual physical daily life the reality of the bible verse "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." To have proved the Lord in us having managed to be abroad for 2 full years, including 3 different countries, and 3 different continent areas (Central America, South America and the Caribbean) without the support of a missionary organisation or a home church, to have just gone out and done this ourselves under our own initiative and the Lords leading, some would call crazy, but we did it through the empowering and daily reliance upon the holy spirit, and blessed many countless lives through it. After all, many of the groundbreaking people in history that we have learnt about are people who were prepared to take a risk and jump out into unknown territory. When we arrived in Ecuador we only new a few words and phrases of Spanish and neither of us had any prior Spanish lessons and yet only through Gods enabling power and guidance, through us leaning and relying upon him we were able to teach and minister there for 10 months.
It is a significant challenge now in a different way to be back in Europe, in this developed nation of the United Kingdom. Less belief in God, more atheism, more paperwork and red tape and boundaries and walls, and yet the holy spirit who empowers and sustains us is ever with. 
One thing we all have to learn in an ever-changing world, is that Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever. We are glad for the good easy times we sometimes go through in life when we would describe ourselves as "blessed". However, we also have to be glad and thankful to God for hard times, because in those times we are also "blessed" - we just dont always realise it. Hard times remind us that we are not self-sufficient, that we are corrupted human beings in a corrupt and evil world, and that all that we physically see and know is dying before our eyes and passing away. This is not written to be depressing or mournful, but just a recognition of the truthful state of our world, it is recognising this which shows the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ dying and rising again from the dead to save us from our sins to be so wonderful and amazing.
Many today preach a gospel of prosperity, well in many ways the gospel certainly does prosper us. We gain eternal life, the salvation of our souls and that is the best thing we could have in this universe. As it says in the bible, "what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but looses his soul?" At the same time, we have to recognise that Christ even though he was the Son of God didnt live in a palace during his earthly time on earth, indeed he states in the word of God "the birds of the air have nests and the foxes have holes and dens and yet Jesus the son of God had no place to rest his head" The call to true christian discipleship is full of joy and peace but also times of trial. We shouldnt be surprised as this is the only way that the fruits of the holy spirit can be fully developed in our lives.
We are now enjoying time with family after not seeing them for 2 whole years. We were away from the 15th July, 2006 when we stepped on a plane to go to Belize Central America, until the 15th June, 2008 when we landed back at heathrow airport, London. This exactly is one month short of exactly 2 calendar years. There are 365 days in a year, which if you multiply by 2 years gives 730 days in total over 2 years. Interestingly, as we were away abroad for exactly one calendar month less than 2 years, this means that we were abroad for EXACTLY 700 days. We dont know if this has any major significance, however there is an american christian news program called the ""700 club"" on television, and indeed the number "7" does stand for the perfect number of God. Therefore the fact that we were away abroad for exactly 700 days, not one day more or less, even though we didnt plan that or realise that amount of time until after we were back in England, helps to give us a smile of confidence that we were away for the time God wanted. This isnt a superstitious calculation to try to make us feel better, Daniel simply felt led by the Lord to calculate the time that was spent abroad, (and of course there is only even 1 chance in 100 that we would have been away for a length of time that is exactly a multiple of a hundred days), and after we calculated it we just felt the Lord give us peace that we were away for just the right time he wanted. When we returned to the UK here we prayed much that we would not be like Jonah going the wrong way if God wanted us to stay abroad permanently, but we received various confirmations through the mouths of ot
her people to confirm the Lord was bringing us back here for the foreseeable time.
Here we are pictured with Hannah, our Jewish friend from the United States. Hannah taught english at the school we were at in Ecuador for the first couple of months, after she left we still kept in contact. This photo was taken when the three of us went together to stay for a night at a hacienda in the Ecuadorian countryside.
One thing we all have to learn in an ever-changing world, is that Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever. We are glad for the good easy times we sometimes go through in life when we would describe ourselves as "blessed". However, we also have to be glad and thankful to God for hard times, because in those times we are also "blessed" - we just dont always realise it. Hard times remind us that we are not self-sufficient, that we are corrupted human beings in a corrupt and evil world, and that all that we physically see and know is dying before our eyes and passing away. This is not written to be depressing or mournful, but just a recognition of the truthful state of our world, it is recognising this which shows the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ dying and rising again from the dead to save us from our sins to be so wonderful and amazing.Many today preach a gospel of prosperity, well in many ways the gospel certainly does prosper us. We gain eternal life, the salvation of our souls and that is the best thing we could have in this universe. As it says in the bible, "what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but looses his soul?" At the same time, we have to recognise that Christ even though he was the Son of God didnt live in a palace during his earthly time on earth, indeed he states in the word of God "the birds of the air have nests and the foxes have holes and dens and yet Jesus the son of God had no place to rest his head" The call to true christian discipleship is full of joy and peace but also times of trial. We shouldnt be surprised as this is the only way that the fruits of the holy spirit can be fully developed in our lives.
We are now enjoying time with family after not seeing them for 2 whole years. We were away from the 15th July, 2006 when we stepped on a plane to go to Belize Central America, until the 15th June, 2008 when we landed back at heathrow airport, London. This exactly is one month short of exactly 2 calendar years. There are 365 days in a year, which if you multiply by 2 years gives 730 days in total over 2 years. Interestingly, as we were away abroad for exactly one calendar month less than 2 years, this means that we were abroad for EXACTLY 700 days. We dont know if this has any major significance, however there is an american christian news program called the ""700 club"" on television, and indeed the number "7" does stand for the perfect number of God. Therefore the fact that we were away abroad for exactly 700 days, not one day more or less, even though we didnt plan that or realise that amount of time until after we were back in England, helps to give us a smile of confidence that we were away for the time God wanted. This isnt a superstitious calculation to try to make us feel better, Daniel simply felt led by the Lord to calculate the time that was spent abroad, (and of course there is only even 1 chance in 100 that we would have been away for a length of time that is exactly a multiple of a hundred days), and after we calculated it we just felt the Lord give us peace that we were away for just the right time he wanted. When we returned to the UK here we prayed much that we would not be like Jonah going the wrong way if God wanted us to stay abroad permanently, but we received various confirmations through the mouths of ot
her people to confirm the Lord was bringing us back here for the foreseeable time.Here we are pictured with Hannah, our Jewish friend from the United States. Hannah taught english at the school we were at in Ecuador for the first couple of months, after she left we still kept in contact. This photo was taken when the three of us went together to stay for a night at a hacienda in the Ecuadorian countryside.
For the whole of that time away we didnt have any chance or ability to visit the UK in between the various countries we visited, and yet we give thanks to God that we drew closer to him and leaned more on his strength and love. Only in times when we have to truly depend upon God and God alone is true warrior faith developed deeply. After visiting Daniels family in Kent, we then spent some time with Rhoda's family in Northern Ireland, and we remain in Northern Ireland at the time of writing this latest blog update, staying with family here. Looking for work on the internet, our hearts still willing to go wherever God calls, we believe that to be in the UK but we are prepared to go where he leads. To hear the quiet voice of the holy spirit "this is the way,walk in it" and then to follow.
Its not always easy to follow Jesus Christ. He never said it would be. But he IS the "way the truth and the life" and in him and through him we have life eternal and peace an
d security for our very souls. This earth is passing away fast and with it our physical lives, and we have to continue to offer him all that we are and all that we have, as the very breath in our bodies and the very fact we even exist is all thanks to him. Only in Jesus are we able to know at all times peace beyond all understanding, no matter what our physical circumstances are. We are called to make whatever sacrifices for the gospel God asks of us, bearing in mind that we are to store up treasure in heaven and not on this earth, as the bible teaches us that where our heart is there is our treasure also. Jesus has promised us through his word that he is going before us, making mansions for us in heaven and only there will we know the full impact and fruit of all our labours for the Lord, all the extra lives with eternal destiny changed from hell to heaven and being able to enjoy heaven and the presence of the Lord everlasting!! Enjoying a walk in the Andes mountains, we met these children on their way to school, these ones are priviledged to have a horse as many wouls walk 2 or 3 miles to get to school. Along the way they would pcik up sticks to take to light their fire at school. We have wonderful memories of witnessing for the Lord and look forward to what he has next for us.
Its not always easy to follow Jesus Christ. He never said it would be. But he IS the "way the truth and the life" and in him and through him we have life eternal and peace an
d security for our very souls. This earth is passing away fast and with it our physical lives, and we have to continue to offer him all that we are and all that we have, as the very breath in our bodies and the very fact we even exist is all thanks to him. Only in Jesus are we able to know at all times peace beyond all understanding, no matter what our physical circumstances are. We are called to make whatever sacrifices for the gospel God asks of us, bearing in mind that we are to store up treasure in heaven and not on this earth, as the bible teaches us that where our heart is there is our treasure also. Jesus has promised us through his word that he is going before us, making mansions for us in heaven and only there will we know the full impact and fruit of all our labours for the Lord, all the extra lives with eternal destiny changed from hell to heaven and being able to enjoy heaven and the presence of the Lord everlasting!! Enjoying a walk in the Andes mountains, we met these children on their way to school, these ones are priviledged to have a horse as many wouls walk 2 or 3 miles to get to school. Along the way they would pcik up sticks to take to light their fire at school. We have wonderful memories of witnessing for the Lord and look forward to what he has next for us. http://www.lookingforgod.com/This is a sceptical world, where many people say that such beautiful scenery - such as the palm trees and sunset photographed above in Belize - is all just an accident created by a big bang out of nothingness. But you are not an accident you are special and unique, there has never been another person the same as you and there never will be. Have a look at the internet site http://www.lookingforgod.com/ for more information about how you can have peace beyond all understanding and assurance concerning your eternal destiny and life in heaven beyond this world.
For God so loved YOU that he sent his one and only son Jesus, so if YOU believe in him, then YOU will not perish but have everlasting life. (John chapter 3, verse 16 - from the Bible )
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